Germany, Third Reich. A Mixed Lot of Awards, with Cases

(Auszeichnungen mit Etui). A mixed lot of awards, including:

1. A West Wall Medal, constructed of bronzed zink, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a double-sided oval oak leaf wreath, joined together at the top and bottom by ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised pillbox topped by a crossed sword and shovel and a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the reverse bearing a raised inscription of “FÜR ARBEIT ZUM SCHUTZ DEUTSCHLANDS” (“FOR WORK IN THE PROTECTION OF GERMANY”), unmarked, measuring 33.16 mm (w) x 45.33 mm (h), weighing 13.4 grams, accompanied by its original package of issue, constructed of beige paper stock, the exterior bearing an inscription of “DEUTSCHES SCHUTZWALL-EHRENZEICHEN” and a maker’s mark of “CARL POELLATH, SCHROBENHAUSEN”, measuring 60 mm (w) x 105 mm (h), the award demonstrating total loss of bronze finish, in very fine condition.

2. A Civil Service 25-Year Faithful Service Award, constructed of silvered bronze with enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon with horizontal pinback, consisting of a Cross Pattée with pebbled arms joined through the quadrants by a circular oak leaf wreath, the obverse bearing a central black enameled swastika, the reverse bearing a central raised inscription of “FÜR TREUE DIENSTE” (“FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE”), unmarked, measuring 41.35 mm (w) x 46.06 mm (h), weighing 21.3 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its original presentation case, of two-piece card stock construction, the exterior with a faux red leather liner, the lid bearing a silvered number “25” situated within a cogwheel, the interior lined throughout both the lid and medal bed with red felt, the former retaining a maker’s label reading “FRIEDRICH KELLER, METALLSCHMUCKFABRIK, OBERSTEIN”, measuring 45 mm (w) x 100 mm (l) x 15 mm (h), demonstrating minor loss of finish and material fatigue to the award and case, respectively, in near extremely fine condition.

3. An Honour Cross of the German Mother, Gold Grade, constructed of gilded bronze with multi-coloured enamels, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, consisting of a Latin Cross with its arms joined through the quadrants by stylized rays, the obverse with blue and white enameled arms, bearing a central white enameled disc overlaid by a black swastika, circumscribed by a raised inscription of “DER DEUTSCHEN MUTTER” (“TO THE GERMAN MOTHER”), the reverse bearing an etched institution date of “16. DEZEMBER 1938” and a signature of the Führer, unmarked, measuring 36.01 mm (w) x 46.03 mm (h), weighing 14.8 grams (inclusive of ribbon), accompanied by its original presentation case, constructed of a light wooden frame with faux dark blue leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt depiction of the award, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and intact hinge cover, the former maker marked “L. BERTSCH, KARLSRUHE”, with a slotted white felt medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 50 mm (w) x 110 mm (l) x 20 mm (h), demonstrating minor flecking and material fatigue to the enamels and case, respectively, in near extremely fine condition.